A lawmaker in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Saidu Baba-Ahmed, has disclosed that 25 children were among the victims who reportedly died in terrorists’ captivity after being abducted from communities in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger states.

Baba-Ahmed, who represents the Gwanabe/Gweria/Bani/Adena constituency of Kaiama Local Government Area, made the disclosure while speaking about the condition of victims recently freed after spending about six months in captivity.

According to the lawmaker, 315 abductees regained their freedom on Thursday night, including 308 victims rescued from terrorist captivity in forests across Kwara and Niger states and seven students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State.

He said 25 children died either while in captivity or during transit, with their bodies reportedly buried in the forest.

Baba-Ahmed also disclosed that 12 young men volunteered to join the terrorists’ ranks after their abductors asked which of the captives wanted to become part of their group. He said they were therefore not among those released.

He further stated that 176 victims were abducted from Kwara State, with 163 subsequently regaining their freedom, while 15 remained missing.

The lawmaker also revealed that two women who were pregnant when they were abducted returned with babies after their release. He said the rescued women were examined and were no longer pregnant.

Following their release, the victims were taken to Ilorin, where 46 were receiving medical attention. The Kwara State Government was also providing care for them before they would be reunited with their families.

The victims were abducted during the February 3 attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. Armed terrorists reportedly invaded the community, killed several residents and abducted hundreds of people before taking them into the forest.

After months of military and security operations, the victims were transported from Niger State to Ilorin late Thursday.

Receiving the victims, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the Woro attack as tragic and regrettable. He commended President Bola Tinubu for his intervention and support towards securing the victims’ release.

The governor also disclosed that the President had approved the establishment of five Army battalions in Omu-Aran, Patigi, Ilemona, Kosubosu and Kaiama to strengthen security across the state.